Natural Resources Specialist

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The Natural Resources Specialist is a partnership position between the Tennessee Aquarium and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to connect landowners with resources that support aquatic conservation on private lands. The primary responsibility of this position is to work with farmers and landowners in priority watersheds of the Ridges to Rivers Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to promote conservation practices that reduce soil erosion.

Specifically, the Natural Resources Specialist will conduct targeted outreach to make landowners aware of relevant conservation programs that will protect soil health and reduce soil erosion to meet targeted outcomes for improved stream health to benefit rare mussels and Laurel Dace within the six-county RCPP area. The Natural Resources Specialist will assist in the review of financial assistance requests to the NRCS under the provision of federal, state, and local agriculture programs.

The Natural Resources Specialist will network with other conservation organizations and agencies, including local land trusts and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, to help private landowners find the best fit for conservation programs that enhance regional water quality and southeastern freshwater animals. Finally, the Natural Resources Specialist will assist Aquarium staff, specifically the Watershed Coordinator, with delivering general outreach about Farm Bill Programs and the relationship between healthy soil and healthy water.

• Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline is required (Environmental science, natural resources, wildlife & fisheries management, soil science, biology, etc.)
• 1-2 years of experience is preferred.
• Land stewardship experience preferred.
• GIS experience preferred.
• Possess strong personal skills to communicate effectively with private landowners, partners and the public.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of freshwater conservation issues and the NRCS nine-step planning process.
• Knowledge of NRCS Farm Bill programs and NRCS Conservation Practices preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, especially farmers and rural landowners.
• Driver’s license required to operate Aquarium vehicles
• Computer skills and familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS.

Full-time, hourly ($20.00 – 25.00/hour);
Includes evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

$20-25/hour

To apply, submit an online application, resume, cover letter, references, and college transcripts through the Aquarium’s career site at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

All submissions must be received by March 20, 2026.

Tennessee Aquarium
201 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: